About Student Life

Welcome to MECA&D Student Life!

The Student Life staff is dedicated to the holistic development and learning of MECA&D students. While enormous growth and learning happens inside the classroom and studio at MECA&D, we also know that significant learning and personal development occurs outside of the classroom as students become more independent, autonomous adults. MECA&D Student Life provides a wide range of programs and services to help students understand themselves and their connection to others.

Student Life’s functional areas include Counseling & Wellness, Disability Services, New Student Orientation, Residence Life and Housing, Student Activities & Leadership Development, and Student Conduct. In addition, Student Life assists students in crisis, helps students access health care for injuries and illness, and provides referrals to local resources. Student Life professional staff also provide 24/7 phone coverage for student emergencies.

We hope you will explore the information and resources on this site to learn more about what is available at MECA&D. If you don’t see what you need, please contact us at studentlife@meca.edu so we can help you find what you need!

Mission

Student Life provides education, advocacy, and support for students to promote their individual growth and development and to foster shared responsibility in creating a safe, healthy, sustainable, and inclusive campus community. We value collaborations with faculty, staff and students in creating a campus community in which all students can achieve their academic, artistic and personal goals.

Student Life Staff

MECA&D Alert

Parents, faculty, staff, or friends who have a non-emergency concern about a student can submit a MECA&D Alert. MECA&D Alerts are monitored daily by the START Team. Concerns may range from attendance, failing grades, time management issues, lack of study skills, lack of direction/motivation, financial difficulty, alcohol or other drug abuse, mental health concerns, or other concerns. Early identification of students who are experiencing academic or personal difficulties helps academic and Student Life staff intervene as soon as possible to offer resources and support to students who need assistance. View our Crisis Support page to learn more.

Diversity Statement & Compact

Maine College of Art & Design Educates Artists for Life.

To give further definition and distinction to Maine College of Art & Design’s institutional mission and to advance the goal of diversity in the strategic plan, the following set of principles were created to strengthen our learning community and cultivate an environment that prepares its students to thrive in a diverse and global world. Maine College of Art & Design recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. These principles serve as another catalyst for MECA&D students, faculty, staff and trustees to become the critically engaged citizens upon whom our world depends.

We understand the differences and diversity of our experiences include, but are not limited to, race, class, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, faith, religion, veteran status, mental, and physical ability.

I am responsible as a member of the MECA&D community:

1. For recognizing, validating and thinking critically about the diversity of experience within our community
2. To move beyond cultural stereotypes and assumptions in order to open up an authentic (and inclusive) culture of critique
3. To embrace the principles of a small caring community that supports the authentic expression of self and others
4. To see beyond assumptions in order to build authentic relationships across differences
5. To learn and be aware of how larger cultural inequalities and inequities influence our daily interactions
6. To participate with willingness and openness in opportunities which address current social events and to think critically about the impact on our college community and larger world
7. For respecting and supporting all members of our community
8. For engaging in action and dialogue when there is injustice driven by privilege and oppression.

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